President McDavis announces formation of new advisory committee for The Ridges

Jul 1, 2013From staff reports

On Monday, July 1, President Roderick J. McDavis sent the following message to Athens campus' University community:

Over the course of the past year, much public discussion and inquiry has focused on Ohio University's historical preservation, restoration, decision making, oversight, and most importantly, the positive stewardship of the former Athens Mental Asylum, which we now call The Ridges. Our steadfast commitment to The Ridges as a community resource and our respect for those who lived and worked there are at the forefront of our minds.

In March, several local government officials shared with us the original legislation that established a Ridges Advisory Committee. After review, it was determined that the 1988 statute needed updating in keeping with current university practice. With the support of local government officials, we worked to revise the legislative language as it relates to the committee and its reporting structure. This revised statute was passed by the Ohio General Assembly, and Governor John Kasich signed it into law on June 30.

To be sure, we will establish The Ridges Advisory Committee. I plan to release the names of the committee's membership later this month. Because The Ridges Advisory Board provision in House Bill 59 will be effective 90 days after the Governor signs the bill, I am requesting that the committee hold its first meeting early this fall.

The Ridges Advisory Committee members will provide guidance, feedback and recommendations on the land use plan developed by a newly created Ridges Master Planning Committee. This internal planning committee, chaired by Associate Vice President for Facilities Harry Wyatt, will include multiple opportunities for community members to be involved in the planning and development of The Ridges Master Plan.

Ohio University is committed to inclusivity in planning for The Ridges as we are with other planning efforts we have undertaken. I am confident that we will achieve innovative solutions related to the future use of this cherished property and will do so because of the passion, commitment, and involvement of members of our community.

I look forward to the contributions of this important new advisory body and the valued guidance they will provide to our Master Planning Committee for The Ridges!